CASE Coursework

For Post-Baccalaureate Students Seeking Initial Teacher Certification

The CASE program consists of 48-51 semester hours (16-17 courses) of general and special education courses depending on previous coursework.  These courses typically can be completed in one and one-half years of full-time attendance at Texas State. The courses consist of curriculum and instruction courses, reading courses, and special education courses. A master's degree requires no extra coursework provided all graduate college requirements have been met.

The CASE program has two basic phases.

Phase one is the time necessary for a participant to complete all general and special education courses necessary for certification. The courses can be completed on a full-time or a part-time basis. Graduate special education classes are offered once or twice a week at night during fall and spring semesters. Summer session classes are offered during the day, five days a week.

Below is a sample course sequence. Questions about individual course sequences should be directed to the CASE advisor.

Phase two is an optional internship year in which the participant is hired as a new teacher on a one-year probationary certificate in a central Texas school district while continuing to be supervised by Texas State faculty and a mentor teacher. During phase two, participants can choose to complete an unpaid semester of student teaching instead of the internship. Special education internships are only available to successful CASE participants; students must be approved for a CASE internship. Passing the appropriate Texas teacher certification exams (TExES) is also required prior to this phase. Graduates will be eligible to apply for all-level Texas Teacher certification in Generic Special Education and in K-6 ESL. Consult the College of Education Certification Officer in the Office of Educator Preparation with questions concerning Teacher Certification.
 
The CASE program has established an excellent reputation with the National Clearinghouse for Professions in Special Education, Texas State Board of Educator Certification (SBEC), surrounding school districts, various military bases, and within the Texas State community.